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Remote Spatial Ecologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Remote Spatial Ecologist information

How does a Remote Spatial Ecologist typically collaborate with other team members and stakeholders while working remotely?

As a Remote Spatial Ecologist, collaboration often involves frequent virtual meetings with interdisciplinary teams, including data analysts, conservation biologists, and GIS specialists. Communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and collaborative GIS platforms are commonly used to share findings, align on project goals, and troubleshoot data-related challenges. Despite working remotely, you can expect to participate in team discussions, present spatial analysis results, and occasionally coordinate with field teams for ground-truthing efforts. Building strong digital communication skills and being proactive about updates help ensure successful teamwork and project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Spatial Ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Spatial Ecologist, you need expertise in ecology, spatial analysis, and a strong background in GIS or remote sensing, typically supported by a relevant degree in environmental science or ecology. Familiarity with tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, R, and remote sensing software, as well as experience with spatial data modeling and analysis, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate ecological data interpretation, impactful research, and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams addressing environmental challenges.

What is a Remote Spatial Ecologist?

A Remote Spatial Ecologist is a professional who studies the relationships between organisms and their environments by analyzing spatial data, often using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. They typically work from a remote location, using satellite imagery, maps, and computer models to understand ecological patterns and processes. Their work helps inform conservation efforts, land management, and environmental policy by providing insights into habitat distribution, species movement, and landscape changes. Remote Spatial Ecologists often collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and non-profits to support data-driven ecological decision-making.

What is the difference between Remote Spatial Ecologist vs Remote Wildlife Biologist?

AspectRemote Spatial EcologistRemote Wildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Geography, or related field; GIS certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field; often requires species-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with GIS and remote data analysis; fieldwork less commonMostly office-based for research and data analysis; some fieldwork depending on role
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by environmental consulting firms, research institutions, government agenciesCommon in conservation organizations, government agencies, research institutions

The main difference is that Remote Spatial Ecologists focus on spatial data analysis, GIS, and mapping to study ecological patterns, while Remote Wildlife Biologists often concentrate on species research and conservation. Both roles require ecological knowledge but differ in technical skills and daily tasks.

What cities in California are hiring for Remote Spatial Ecologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Spatial Ecologist job openings:

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Science and Conservation Associate

Location: Laguna Beach, California
Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF)
Status: Part-time (Contingent upon funding)

About Laguna Ocean Foundation

The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring Laguna Beach’s coastal ecosystems through science, education, conservation, and community engagement. Working with universities, government agencies, and community partners, LOF is advancing innovative coastal monitoring by integrating field ecology with drones, GIS, machine learning, environmental DNA (eDNA), and citizen science.

Position Summary

LOF seeks a motivated Science and Conservation Associate to support the technical foundation of its research and conservation programs. This position transforms field observations into high-quality geospatial data that inform ecological monitoring, restoration, conservation planning, and public education across Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas.

The Associate will manage geospatial workflows—from drone and underwater ROV surveys through machine-learning analysis, GIS integration, habitat mapping, and scientific visualization. Working closely with LOF biologists, university researchers, GIS specialists, and interns, the Associate will help build one of California’s most comprehensive long-term coastal spatial datasets while supporting scientific publications, grant-funded research, StoryMaps, and emerging conservation technologies.

Position contingent upon funding.

Primary Responsibilities

Remote Sensing & Field Operations

● Conduct drone surveys under FAA Part 107 regulations.

● Operate underwater ROVs to document marine habitats.

● Coordinate field logistics, equipment, permits, and data collection.

GIS & Spatial Analysis

● Process drone imagery into ortho-mosaics and elevation models.

● Maintain GIS databases and produce habitat, species, and change-detection maps.

● Integrate remote sensing with biological field data.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

● Develop and apply machine-learning models for habitat and species classification.

● Improve classification workflows and support Python-based geospatial automation.

Research & Communication

● Collaborate with scientists and partner institutions on applied conservation research.

● Assist with scientific publications, technical reports, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

● Develop Story-Maps, dashboards, and visual products that communicate science to diverse audiences.

Training & Program Support

● Mentor interns and volunteers in GIS, drone operations, and data collection.

● Help establish standardized monitoring and data management protocols.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

● At least one year of experience in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, or environmental monitoring.

● Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

● Experience with Python for geospatial analysis or machine learning.

● Experience processing drone imagery using photogrammetry.

● Familiarity with image classification or computer vision workflows.

● Knowledge of geospatial data management and reproducible workflows.

● FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

● Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in coastal or marine ecosystems.

● Underwater ROV experience.

● Familiarity with eDNA, ecological monitoring, or conservation research.

● Experience working with universities, government agencies, or nonprofits.

● Grant writing or peer-reviewed publication experience.

● Experience with ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, Dashboards, or web GIS.

● Knowledge of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Detectron2, or similar frameworks.

● Experience with cloud-based geospatial workflows.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Please send in your material by July 31 to info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

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